The Federal Government has commenced the aerial spraying of pesticides to control quelea birds and other pests in Sokoto and Zamfara States.
The idea is to boost food production and prevent losses in the 2020 dry season farming.
Governor Bello Matawalle, who flagged off the exercise, commended the Federal Government for the initiative, geared towards ensuring food sufficiency in the country.
The 2020 dry season aerial fumigation to control quelea birds and other pests is being conducted at the Bakolori Irrigation farm in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The exercise, which is carried out annually by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is aimed at preventing losses for dry season farmers.
Governor Matawalle, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Aminu Suleiman, said the banes of dry season food production are water and birds.
He observed that the Federal Government spraying of pesticides to control quelea birds that are causing damage to crops would ensure bumper harvest for the farmers.
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The Zamfara State Agric Commissioner stressed that the exercise will enhance food production and improve the nation’s economy.
The Zonal Director of the Department of Pest Control in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in charge of Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, Ya’u Makeri, wants Zamfara State government to increase its support to enable the Federal and the State Governments assist farmers by eliminating the pests that are destroying their crops.
The exercise is expected to last for two days.
